Lake of the Pines: In words of 'the Bard'

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Shakespeare's contribution to the English language goes unnoticed by many, but you may be interested to know that many commonly used words and phrases were originally coined by this prolific playwright.

Did you know "naked truth" and "it was Greek to me" are both phrases first used in Shakespeare's plays? Have you heard of the popular joke "Knock, knock. Who's there?" Well, it began as comic relief in "Macbeth," and the phrase "milk of human kindness" is from that same play. Do not let the contemporary-sounding word "bedazzled" fool you - it is from "The Taming of the Shrew," a play written around the year 1592.

You may have been "bedazzled" by the recent Lake of the Pines Association financial reports printed in the May edition of the LOP News, but "it was Greek to me." So, after looking over the highly subsidized Food and Beverage net income (loss), I wanted "the naked truth" and put in a call to Board Treasurer Chuck Lautrup.

Lautrup, a veritable "ministering angel" (Hamlet), devotes countless hours to the LOP Association and its members. He is a fountain of facts and figures, and had a few points to share in defense of deficits in both Food and Beverage and Golf operations.

For one, recreational golf has been in decline since the first dip in the economy. All area courses have seen significant drops in revenue, and have been scrambling to stay open. Lautrup pointed out that one factor affecting LOP specifically is changing demographics. There are fewer retirees and more families living in the Lake; therefore, fewer residents are able to fit golf into their schedules.

Another interesting point the treasurer made about subsidizing the Food and Beverage operations is that this amenity, though costly, adds to the overall ambiance of LOP. With an estimated $150,000 loss after allocating utilities to the reported number, that subsidy to each of the 2012 properties currently being assessed comes to $75 per year, or roughly $6 per month. Even if you do not utilize community dining, the resource adds significantly to your property value, and should pay off in marketability when (and if) the real estate climate improves.

Speaking of the market, you may have noted that the LOP Association has foreclosed on a couple of homes. This action was taken in order to force slow-acting banks to expedite their own foreclosure proceedings. Once that action is taken, the banks become liable for the association dues, and they usually begin paying right away.

For the record, LOP has around 80 current and former homeowners "in a pickle" (The Tempest) who are in collection for past dues. These dues are not ordinarily paid by the mortgage-holding bank, and are considered a personal debt that can be collected even if the home is foreclosed upon.

As for the renovation of the LOP Clubhouse, a project that has been "dead as a door nail" (Henry VI) for some time, but a redesign workshop has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday. Members will be invited to participate in a survey where they will be given three "dots." The dots can all be applied to one, or split between two, or three architectural renderings. This opportunity should result in determining the most popular style for the renovation.

Laura Lavelle's column is for southern Nevada County residents to share thoughts and information. Contact her at lavelle@cebridge.net or leave a message at (530) 477-4230.